Angus Council’s latest representative on the NHS Tayside board has welcomed assurances from health chiefs on the future of Stracathro hospital – and an acknowledgement of past failures.
Brechin and Edzell Independent Councillor Bob Myles is the third member of the administration to join the board, although his nomination split the council, with opposition members backing Kirriemuir and Dean SNP councillor Julie Bell.
Mr Myles said: “I have recently had meetings with both the Chief Executive Malcolm Wright and the Chair John Brown to get a view on how the health service was to move forward in Tayside in light of the recent negative publicity.
“The future of Stracathro Hospital was high on my agenda and I am reassured to hear Stracathro will have a strong and vibrant future.
“The fact is that there is a desire to maximise the potential of Stracathro, and the other sites across Tayside, so that treatments will be done as efficiently and as near to home as possible, all the while making sure the safety of the patient is paramount.
“Of course, all procedures cannot be delivered at all sites, but the intention is to develop sustainable practises that can be delivered at each facility.
“Some will be delivered at Stracathro, some at Perth Royal Infirmary, while others will be offered at Ninewells.”
Mr Myles also raised the issue of NHS Tayside’s troubled recent past, which included the revelation health board bosses had plundered more than £2.7 million from donated funds to plug their ailing finances.
The situation led to the direct intervention of then-Health Minister Shona Robison, and subsequent departure of Chairman Professor John Connell and Chief Executive Lesley McLay.
Mr Myles continued: “I was heartened to discover the health board had recognised and accepted the failings of the past but had made great steps to move forward with a positive and constructive vision for healthcare in Angus and Tayside.
“The wish is to devolve decision making to the front line, as those dealing with individual patients are usually best placed to decide how, what and where the best treatments can and should be delivered.
Mr Myles also highlighted that the continued focus will be to keep patient admissions to acute hospital beds to a minimum, while providing care at home where possible.
“I am confident with the reassurances I have received that the future for the health service in Angus and Tayside is in good hands.”
